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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Styron, what would be the only answer if depression was incurable?
(a) A life of horror.
(b) Suicide.
(c) Total care by a loved one.
(d) Long term hospitalization.

2. Why does Styron say he was betrayed the summer before he was hospitalized?
(a) His friends deserted him.
(b) His doctor treated him with the wrong drug.
(c) He could not longer drink any alcohol at all.
(d) His wife cheated on him.

3. What term does Styron give to the loss of a parent or something early in life?
(a) Insurmountable loss.
(b) Lifelong loss.
(c) Incomplete mourning.
(d) Dark depression.

4. What does Styron say family and friends should continue to do for the depressed person?
(a) Validate their worth and sense of self.
(b) Make them talk about their problems.
(c) Watch them constantly to prevent suicide.
(d) Tell them to cheer up and get over it.

5. What does this music make him realize?
(a) That music could restore his soul.
(b) That he couldn't leave all the pleasant memories that the house around him held.
(c) That his suicide would hurt his wife too much.
(d) That he didn't want to life any more.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Styron, what is a frequent theme in his novels?

2. Why are late afternoons so distressing to Styron?

3. What is Styron's first dream in many months?

4. Why does Styron say depression was no stranger when it came to him?

5. How does Styron indicate he was planning to die?

(see the answer keys)

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